Hands-on with Apple MacBook Air, Time Capsule, Apple TV, updated iPod touch & iPhone and iTunes rentals

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Now for some really big news: Apple has launched on-demand movie rentals. The rental service starts today in the US, with an international launch later this year.

All the major movie studios are on-board and prices start at $2.99 (£1.50) in the US. Over 1,000 movies will be available by the end of February, with new titles available in the iTunes Store 30 days after their commercial DVD release. They'll work on PC, Mac and all current generation iPods, and of course the iPhone.

After confirming a rental, you've got 30 days to start watching. Once you start watching you'll have 24 hours to finish the film. Most films are shorter than 24 hours and repeat viewings are unlimited.

In the US, prices are $2.99 for library (read: older) titles, and $3.99 (£2) for new releases. Oh, did we mention there are 100 HD movies available for rental, too? We didn't? Ah. Well, they'll cost $3.99 for library titles, and $4.99 (£2.50) for new releases. We have no doubt this catalogue of 100 will be greatly expanded in the coming months.

Keep your eyes on Crave for news of a UK release date.

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Comments

AnonymousWed 16 January, 2008 8:55am

Does the SSD option see the removal of the Sudden Motion Sensor? Its proven to be quite useful in thwarting would-be notebook thieves with programs like IAlertU.

AnonymousWed 16 January, 2008 9:41am

I thought the most interesting bit of the keynote was Randy Newman's performance of an anti-war, anti-Bush song that predicted the fall of America's empire. What other company would have had the guts to let him play that? Well done Apple.